A Wonderful Future for Temple Shaaray Tefila

During the interviews that led to me coming to Temple Shaaray Tefila, the Rabbinic Search Committee asked for a description of what we could hope to achieve during the interim time. I described my vision for a collaboration that would create a foundation for the Temple’s future, and in many ways we achieved that goal.

Note that the Temple’s progress began even before my arrival. Bill Glenn worked closely with the leaders and staff to set a foundation for building that foundation. And in the months following my arrival, our shared vision and working partnership advanced the Temple’s renewed thriving. We grew and strengthened the religious school and Hebrew learning, as we see each time our students stand at the pulpit for family services, and especially at B’nai Mitzvah. A new confirmation program provides independent study opportunities with the clergy as our tenth graders explore their interests in recognizing and responding to antisemitism and antizionism, understanding world Jewry and Jewish values, and more. We experimented with adult education through restored Lunch and Learn, and Café Shaaray, and we expanded Torah Study participation, in person and on Zoom. We also brought back travel opportunities through the Civil Rights Journey. The spiritual and social life of Temple Shaaray Tefila is well into renewal, such that people are saying the old Shaaray Tefila is back.

There will be more to say this evening and through my remaining time with the congregation at the end of June. What a privilege this has been to serve as your Intentional Interim Rabbi.

With confidence in a wonderful future for Temple Shaaray Tefila,

Rabbi Dennis Ross